Game balls for Chargers loss in Oakland

Chargers’ veteran duo keeps it close

The Chargers defense has played well enough in every game for the Chargers to win, but they clearly have been much better since Ingram has returned. They are able to get pressure on a more consistent basis when the opposing offense sends double teams toward Joey Bosa, which the Raiders did all throughout the night.

Bosa was still able to do his part in the run game but it was clear from the start the Raiders were going to force someone else on the Chargers defense to beat them when it came to rushing the passer.

Ingram was able to do that. On the night, he finished with seven total tackles, four total quarterback pressures and two sacks. His efforts earned him a 72.9 grade from Pro Football Focus, good enough for second-highest on the night.

https://twitter.com/Chargers/status/1192647628288225282?s=20

The highest overall grade belonged to Davis. The 15-year veteran has been much maligned by fans on Twitter but all he has done is continue to rack up tackles. He himself has admitted that he has not played his best this season, but he does lead the team with 78 total tackles through nine games.

On Thursday night he totaled 11 tackles and played MUCH better in pass coverage than he had previously. His overall play earned him a grade of 73.5 from PFF, by far his best of the season. He consistently made plays in key moments, including several on third down like the one featured below.

Davis hasn’t played up to his own standards so far this season, but Thursday was a big step in the right direction for the first year Charger.

Look at this amazing #LAChargers highlight: Thomas Davis Big 3rd Down Stop for Chargers #LACvsOAK

Find out more at https://t.co/NtqA2J7ksl #LAChargers #BoltUp #NFL #NFLHighlights #SportsTalkLine pic.twitter.com/e7eJNWHNb8

— ChargersTalkLine (@ChargerTalkLine) November 11, 2019

Davis and Ingram are counted on for their leadership and production on the defense. On Thursday night, they needed them to bring their best efforts to the field and they did just that.